Trial

SCOTUS Today for Wednesday, December 17

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On December 17, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is expected to address several pivotal cases and issues that could have significant implications for American law and society. As the justices prepare to deliberate, legal analysts and the public alike are keenly interested in the outcomes of these cases. This segment will provide an overview of the latest happenings at SCOTUS, along with insights into courtroom events and educational opportunities available to the public. Morning Reads and Courtroom Activities This morning, various legal blogs and news outlets are buzzing with updates regarding the … Read more

Court to Hear Case on Racial Discrimination in Jury Selection

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The Supreme Court is set to examine a pivotal case concerning the intersection of racial discrimination and jury selection, specifically focusing on the constitutional implications of peremptory challenges. This case, Pitchford v. Cain, arises from the conviction of Terry Pitchford, who argues that his death sentence was imposed in violation of the Constitution’s prohibition against racial discrimination in jury selection. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for how juries are selected across the United States. Background of the Case Terry Pitchford was convicted nearly two decades ago for his involvement in the … Read more

Court appears divided on whether lower courts properly found death row inmate to be intellectually disabled

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The Supreme Court recently grappled with the complex case of Joseph Smith, an Alabama man who has spent over two decades on death row. The core issue at hand is whether the lower courts adequately assessed Smith’s assertion of intellectual disability, which is critical in determining his eligibility for execution. Smith’s situation is particularly challenging due to the fact that he has undergone five separate IQ tests over nearly four decades, yielding varying results that complicate the legal proceedings surrounding his death sentence. Background of the Case Smith’s legal battle is rooted in the Supreme … Read more

SCOTUS Today for Wednesday, December 10

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On this day, December 10, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will deliberate on significant legal matters that touch upon crucial constitutional principles. One of the notable cases on the docket is Hamm v. Smith, which revisits the implications of the landmark decision in Atkins v. Virginia. This case is pivotal as it addresses the intersection of intellectual disability and capital punishment in the context of constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Overview of Hamm v. Smith The case of Hamm v. Smith will explore certain aspects of the Supreme Court’s previous … Read more